Alter Everything

Day 226: Lyme Meals 101

Been diagnosed with Lyme Disease?  Don't forget to make your diet an important part of the healing process. While thinking "What should I eat to regain my health?" may not be your first question, it could be your most important one; especially when it comes to healing the pain and turmoil going on in your body.

Poor Food Choices = Inflammation.  Why does this Matter?

Inflammation protects the body from harmful things like foreign matter, viruses, allergies, and bacteria.  In a healthy immune system, inflammation is kept in check (ie: the body senses something unhealthy, responds accordingly, and moves on).  In an unhealthy body, inflammation festers....causing pain, muscle aches, cognitive problems, swelling, and exhaustion. 

Research shows, rampant inflammation makes illness and pain inevitable. Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Heart Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis all have roots in chronic inflammation. Put simply: Your body (a machine) requires clean fuel to perform (ie: foods without chemicals, hormones, neurotoxins, preservatives, etc). If you keep putting junk in the tank, it's only a matter of time before your engine stops and sputters.

So, What CAN I Eat?

The best answer for healing and eliminating inflammation associated with illness?  A low-glycemic, gluten-free, sugar-free, yeast-free diet -- packed with protein, vegetables, and nuts (think Paleo not processed). As an example, below are a few of the things I eat most regularly. Over seven months (the amount of time, I've been religiously following this plan) -- my pain and symptoms have greatly lessened.

(Note: I am not a doctor or nutritionist. This is my opinion of foods that work based on research and recommendations by my medical team. To find out what foods are best for you, always consult a professional).

Breakfast Options:

2 Organic Eggs Scrambled in Olive Oil

3 Pieces of Nitrate/Hormone Free Bacon
 -- in moderation (substitute 3oz other organic protein appropriately)
Grilled or Steamed Vegetable--Spinach, Broccoli, Asparagus



1 cup Organic, non-BGH, Unsweetened Greek Yogurt 

1 cup Organic fruit -- Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Pineapple, Raspberries, or Watermelon

Smoothies made with any of the following ingredients: Almond Milk; Organic Fruits: Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Pineapple, Raspberries; Coconut; Carob Powder. ALWAYS add Almond Butter, Yogurt, Nuts, Spirulina--something for protein (I try to get 20 grams per meal). If needed, sweeten with Stevia.  You can also use protein powder, but make sure you get one that's sugar/chemical/and preferably dairy-free (except for Greek yogurt, dairy should be done in limited doses).

Lunch and Dinner Options:

3 oz Organic protein: Chicken, Beef, Pork, Turkey, Buffalo; or Wild Salmon

Double Serving of vegetables: Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussell Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Kelp, Onions, Rutabaga, Turnips 



Homemade chili made with Organic (preferably not canned) Black Beans, Pinto Beans; Organic Meat; Fresh Organic Tomatoes, and Spices*



Organic Spinach with 3 oz. Organic protein (see above), nuts, and Olive Oil

Snacks:

1 Organic Green Apple with Organic Almond Butter

1 oz of Organic Almonds or Pumpkin Seeds
Organic Veggies with Hummus

Drinks:

Filtered room tempature water with fresh squeezed lemon
Fresh made (unprocessed) vegetable juice
Lemon Balm Tea

*Season and cook foods in Olive or Coconut Oil with any of the following: Garlic, Hot Peppers, Sea salt, Turmeric, Chili Powder, Ginger, Honey, Horseradish, Mustard, Nutmeg, Oregano, Parsley, Pepper, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Tarragon, Thyme, Anise, Cloves, Basil, Bay Leaf, Carob, Cardamom, Cayenne, Chili Powder, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cumin, Dill Weed, Fennel.

For a more varied menu, I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND Recipes for Repair: A Lyme Disease Cookbook and these Eating Guidelines for Lyme Disease published by Andreanna Rainville RN.

Altered Today: Sharing what helps

Learn More:
http://www.wellsphere.com/lyme-disease-article/the-problem-with-inflammation-in-lyme-disease/173820
http://www.angelhealingcenter.com/Anti-InflammatoryDiet.html
http://www.lymebook.com/lyme-disease-inflammation-diet
http://curezone.com/foods/foods_that_kill.asp
http://www.womentowomen.com/digestionandgihealth/candida.aspx 
http://www.naturalnews.com/026244_food_MSG_neurotoxins.html

Day 213: Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free Almond Joy

If you've been reading along, you may have noticed, I had a sugar-free, gluten-free tea party last Saturday. There were lots of goodies to eat: raw applesauce pie, cookies, biscuits, and one of my personal favorites...Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free Almond Joy Cups -- a treat I learned to make from the delicious cookbook Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free Baking and Desserts.

The recipe was easy to make and wonderfully yummy...especially considering I can't/don't eat good things like chocolate anymore. To make things even easier, I tweaked it a bit, to employ the help of my Vitamix (much easier than mixing it by hand).  Even my husband, who absolutely HATES most of my concoctions, gives it the thumbs up. If you are looking for something chocolatey, healthy, and Lyme-friendly, I hope you'll give it a go.

ALMOND JOY CUPS
A sugar-free, Almond Joy-type candy made with coconut oil, carob, almonds, and agave.

1 1/2 Cups extra-virgin coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup organic raw almond butter
3 droppers Liquid Stevia Vanilla Creme
3 droppers Liquid Stevia Chocolate
4 tablespoons light agave
1 tablespoon gluten-free vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 cup roasted carob powder
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1/4 cup almond meal
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut

Line mini-cupcake trays with paper liners; set aside.
Or, use candy molds/mini-cupcake trays without liners.

In medium bowl, place melted coconut oil and almond butter. Stir until blended. Whisk in liquid stevia, agave, and vanilla. Add cinnamon and stir until it is evenly blended. Slowly stir in carob a tablespoon at a time (HINT: once melted coconut oil, almond butter, Stevia, agave, vanilla, and cinnamon were blended, I dumped into the Vitamix with carob powder to combine....way easier than doing it by spoonfuls).

The mixture should still be slightly runny.

Add almond meal, hemp seeds, and coconut. Stir.

Spoon into prepared mini-cupcake trays (making sure to get hemp seeds, coconut, and almond in each cup). Pour in mixture to halfway full. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes. When the candies are set, pop out and store in a freezer-safe container. Keep frozen. Enjoy!!!

Altered Today: Sharing my favorites, solutions for cravings

Day 206: Time for Tea 2011

Lots to experience at today's gluten free/sugar free tea party.


 
Food...

Friends...

 
 

Fun...

Love...
 


I am tired, but it's good tired; the way you are when you trade a day for something worthwhile. Thank you Debbie, Denise, and Angel for making this possible and thanks to everyone who attended. This was one of the best afternoons I've had in almost a year.

I love you and miss you already.

XOXOX

Altered Today: Memories, Friendships, Well Being

Day 184: Celebrating the Small Stuff

Image from http://m.demotivation.us/

Man...have you ever had pan seared turkey breast? Nothing fancy. A little olive oil. Sea Salt. White Pepper. And Mmmwaaahhhh! I swear I am going to be featured on Top Chef one of these seasons.  I don't know why I haven't cooked it before. It certainly fits the dietary restrictions...protein, protein, veg, protein.  I guess when I think of turkey, I think of Thanksgiving, broilers, and Butterballs (nice to know you can teach an old dog new tricks).

I can already feel the Tryptophan going to work (you're getting sleepy...very, very sleepy).

Now...for a quick nap before a couple of friends show up (God love them. They are coming to help with yard work and insurance paperwork).

To create your own inspired recipes, check out one of my favorite Lyme-friendly, cooking sites Affairs of Living.  There's a lot of good stuff on there. I've been eyeing this pumpkin pie recipe for months. Don't know why I love pumpkin so much. For some reason, it just makes me smile.

Altered Today: Letting friends help, trying new foods, actually moving items off a to do list, 2 hour nap instead of 4 (hey, it's progress), letting myself ramble.

Day 176: You're Invited -- Tic Toc, Tic Toc!

 
A Fanciful Twist

Being sick gets lonely
and boring too.
We don't eat sweets.
There's not much to do.

It's hard to get out.
We mostly just write.
But what if that changes?
If just for one night?

What if, one day,
Despite how we feel,
We all get together
and share one great meal?

They'll be tea cakes, and muffins, and sweet treats* galore.
All that's needed is you
to walk through the door.

Can't make it in person?
That still will be fine.
Log in by computer
and join us on line.**

To RSVP Now,
Just comment below.
A fun time is waiting.
Let's give it a go.

To RSVP....

Festivities begin Saturday, June 25th @ 2:00pm at my home in Winter Park, Florida. 
Healthy and Sick Friends welcome, but adults only please. 

*Participants must bring one gluten- free, sugar-free treat large enough to share with at least 10 people.  Please label your product if also contains nuts or dairy.  Natural sweeteners--Agave, Stevia, Xylitol, Mylitol--only....no artificial sweeteners allowed. Homemade items are especially loved and appreciated.  Raphsodic Bakery and Natural Delights also offer Healthy Options for pre-order.

**When you RSVP, please specify if you will be attending in person or virtually. If you will be attending virtually and you blog, please link to this post on your site and host your own party on the 25th
(then send me the link on that day so I can link back to you).

Can't wait to see you!

Altered Today: First Tea Party, 2nd IV Treatment, First Virtual Event.

Day 158: Food Matters

My Mom is such an amazing lady. As I type this, she is sitting less than six feet away, watching Food Inc.--all because I asked her to.  I know she doesn't want to see it. She is tired of me lecturing about food, ticks, bottled water, and health.  But, as I told her this morning, I love her. I want her to be here for 500 more Mother's Days.  And if that means bothering or alienating her for a while, I'll risk it. 

It's a tough sell....helping my family understanding that cheap food comes with a price.  I know it was for me (especially with my upbringing).  Still, if they leave here thinking twice about what they put in their cart or put in their mouth, I'll be happy (and hopefully they'll be healthier).

I think most Americans would be surprised to know there are only three or four companies controlling the nation's food supply.  Even more would be shocked to realize how many products are made with genetically modified corn. Hopefully they won't have to start feeling as bad as I do to start caring.

As much as I hate being sick, I am eternally grateful for how much it's impacted my eating, my social consciousness, and my overall commitment to health.  In the end, the movie really opened my Mom's eyes.  As credits rolled, she requested I help her find local farmers/growers in her area.  And, as I gave her the list, I couldn't help but smile.

Learn more about Food Inc.
Learn more about Food Matters (another REALLY important, eye-opening film).

Altered Today: Hopefully my family's food choices.

Day 137: Carpe Diem

My version of homemade gluten-free Cheez-its...good, but nothing like the originals. Still, aren't they cute?

Yesterday was quite the adventure:  lunch at Seasons52, brief trip to Walmart, baking, showering/ fixing my hair, first stab at S-E-X in a REALLY long time (YAY me!!).  Today, however, rather than basking in the afterglow, I am reeling from the aftermath...too much, too fast, too soon (a common problem for people with chronic illness).

It's kind of like going dancing when you are just recovering from the flu or playing tennis with a "not quite healed" ankle; fun in the moment, not so great in the morning. 

Truth is, when you get a taste of good, you want more.  And, in my case, that looks like squeezing a week's worth of living into a day's worth of time (my average for feeling "normal").  It can also look like feeling a little worse for a little while as a result of my actions...a gamble, but one I am willing to take.

It's been an interesting week full of ups downs.  I can't say I'm feeling better (the pain and symptoms are still there), but I can say I'm coping better...if I get 8 "good" hours a week, I'm going to make the most of them (which means, for the moment, I've stopped feeling sorry for myself and started carving out some semblance of a life).

In the end, it comes down to choices...choosing to live, choosing to accept, choosing to love.  Today, I am choosing to rest and take it easy (in preparation for my next big adventure).  One day at a time folks. One day at a time...

Altered Today: Learning How to Be Sick; worth a read if you're chronically ill. It's really good stuff.     

Day 135: "Here...I made this for you..."

You can always tell when I get antsy about blogging. It usually happens when a) I can't stand to hear myself complain anymore b) I don't feel well enough to form a complete thought c) I have big things I COULD talk about, but I really don't want to or d) I am feeling a little stir crazy. 

When it does, I predictably write about food/cooking; partly because it's easy, partly because it interests me, and partly because making things allows me to feel semi-normal again.  When I was little, baking was always my escape to avoid what was ailing me.  While my sister was hanging outside with the horses, I could usually be found in the kitchen baking sugar cookies or whipping up something in my Easy Bake Oven.

To this day, my heart jumps when I see those little, itty-bitty boxes of mixes (now packets...a horrible tragedy).  I remember standing in the aisle at K-Mart, pulling on my mom's shirt, begging her to buy me some.  Once or twice, she caved.  Mostly, she'd buy Duncan Hines big boxes.

"Once it's in the pan, you'll never know the difference," she'd say. 

Technically, she was right.  Still, a 9-year old doesn't care about logic; the heart wants what the heart wants.

Impatiently, I would stare through the light-bulb-lit window waiting for the edges to crisp.  I liked using that plastic/orange tool to move the pan around, and never waited for anything to cool before frosting (powdered sugar and a little milk). 

More than cooking, I loved to decorate and deliver.  A few sprinkles there...a fancy plate here. If I loved you, I would certainly bring you a tiny cake with a huge smile on my face.  "I made this for you," I would say...usually to my Mom.  I'm not sure if she liked it, but, if she didn't, you wouldn't know (she was very generous with cooking praise).

Looking back now, for some reason, I am getting very emotional. Perhaps for the little girl I used to be or for the daughter I may never have. But, now that it's out there, I can't stop crying.  It would have been so much easier to talk about my high-protein, almond/egg breakfast concoction (the original plan for today).  Still, what can I say, sometimes posts write themselves.

The breakfast you will never hear about.

Altered Today: Sharing more than I meant to, lamenting about motherhood, thinking I was a model on the front of the Easy Bake Oven box.  Seriously...I'm posting pictures.  It looks just like me.

Day 125: Lamenting Over Pechin's

"For those of you who have never been to Pechin's Market in Dunbar, PA, you really owe it to yourself to check it out. It not like any store you've ever been in.  I remember going with my mom back in the 70's. We went twice a month.  We would fill two carts. Or as my mom called them "buggies."  The front of the store had a cement floor. In the back, at the meat department, the floor was of wood. On a rainy day there would be buckets sitting around to catch the rain as it entered through the roof. I can remember that there was this man who pulled a meat wagon to the meat department. And the women would be grabbing meat off it as he pulled it.  Food was very cheap at that store. It still is. After we checked out, getting to our car was a trip dodging cars and the dips, bumps, and potholes in the parking lot. One time my mom almost spilt her whole cart in a pothole. Also I forgot to say, that the store is right next to a train track. When a train would go by, you could feel the vibration in the store. Also treat yourself to the cafeteria. Its not the cleanest looking place, but you can't beat the prices. The last time I was there, the hamburgers were 19 cents, a cup of coffee was 5 cents..."  --Source: Review from  http://www.connellsville.com/guest/page11.php

THIS is the story of my life growing up in Western Pennsylvania. 

While I didn't write it, it's exactly as I remember: bucket filled aisles, holes in the floor, women fighting over pork chops. To beat the rush, my Mom would plant me near the swinging door that led to the butcher's area. "When you see the meat wagon, get in there and grab," she'd coach.  My assignment?  Get the T-Bones; I was very good at my job.  My reward?  Unlimited fried dough from the humble cafeteria.

Being raised that way taught me a few things about life: to be less fussy, to value a good deal, to appreciate the hunt, to reward myself with sugar.  What I never learned, and what I am struggling to learn now, is to value QUALITY; including wholesome/nourishing foods that are going to fuel my body.

As I added up this month's grocery bills, I cried when I saw the final total:

-$600 at Whole Foods
-$200 at Publix
-$150 in supplements

It goes against everything I was raised to believe in (ie: cheaper is better, more is more, reward yourself--you deserve it).

It's tough business getting well:  eating right and struggling internally. I miss my health, but I also miss those elephant ears.  Or, better put....I miss simpler days...especially those filled with roof leaks, crowded parking lots, and potholes.

Altered Today: Realizing how much being sick is actually costing me.

Day 123: A Holistic View of Illness: Quackery or Common Sense?

The more I learn about Lyme Disease, the more I realize:  good health is a journey not a destination.  While it seems getting rid of this thing--whatever "this thing" is that is terrorizing me--is the goal.  Healing my immune system and bringing my body back into balance is the thing that's sorely missing.

Although I don't talk about it much, I now have several viruses raging in my body: Epstein Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus, Strep, Parvo, M. Pneumoniae, and HHV6 (a common combination for Lyme patients).  On the other side, I also have overactive killer t-cells and raised C4a--strange thing for someone with lowered immunity. 

Which leads me to wonder (Lyme or Autoimmune disorder aside) what would cause the body to reactivate latent viruses, lower immunity, and at the same time aggressively fight itself?  Does it stand to reason that horrible, nasty stuff can't live in a healthy environment?

After watching an important documentary called Food Matters, I have more question that answers.  We all have cancer cells in our bodies, yet we don't all have cancer. And some people have Lyme in their system for years without suffering from symptoms. Is changing what we eat really the answer to eliminating disease completely? What actually causes illness--the invasion of poison or the disrupted immune system incapable of defeating it?

As I continue along my health journey, I'm excited about what I am learning  about Vitamin C Protocols, Nutrition,  Colloidal Silver, and more.  While I wish I could have gotten the message differently, I now know; this illness is not a punishment, but rather an opportunity to take control of my health, my life, and my future.

PS: Don't quote me on that when I'm feeling REALLY awful, I might punch you.

Altered Today: Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, research, hope for a cure